Having recently sold my car and bought a less expensive one, I have some change kicking about that needs spending before the princess of the high street discovers it. So, I think I'm gonna buy a classic bike, I have considered a Z900, RG500, 350LC, CBX and any 70s Kwak 2 stroke triples. Although on my 3rd Ducati, I'm not clued up on their classic stuff, so any advice you have or adding to my Jap list would be much appreciated. Top of list so far is a Z900 but am open to new ideas, Thx in advance
Do you want to restore ? Ride daily ? Keep with a view to value appreciation? All the mentioned are classics of their time and values now reflect that.I am not so well up on the Yam Honda stuff but in recent past did a nut and bolt resto on a Z900 and have looked at Kawasaki 750 triple as possible future project. Early Z1 from 72 /73 in top notch original condition are going north of 20k .The holy grail of the triples the 750 H2C in purple in same condition north of 15k Not many uk bikes on market mostly imports from U.S Think you could get something rideable for 5k all depends what you want The 900 ss shout is a good one too but the ones I see are mega bucks (Mr R is the guy I think for knowledge) Good sources of info are Z1 Owners Club,Kawasaki Triples club,Suzuki Kettle Clinic also worth visiting the Stafford Classic Bike Show one coming up shortly I think Good luck in search
I can put you in touch with a chap selling a very nicely restored Kawasaki Z1B it's 100,%. Correct for the year even got a set of new exhausts and downpipes
Agree, all have reached there ceiling IMO - the 72/73 Z1's were at £20k 10 years ago and have effectively reduced! Chiz has a good point re the 900SS If for investment then none of the above mentioned, if not get the one you really want!
If your buying a classic I would say try and get one that you also have a connection with . It increases the enjoyment of owning it over just have that model on its own. I like the 888's so had one for some time and would buy another . Personally I don't see the point of owning an RG500 if that's not a bike you would buy otherwise.
If it's to be owned and ridden, go for whatever reminds you of your youth. For me that would be a 500lc If it's investment no idea
I had a collection of Suzuki T series 2 strokes from the 60s sold them at the wrong time now fetching silly money
If you're considering a classic Duke then IMO the MHR's (Mike Hailwood replica) are up there in the desirability scale ,and at the moment they don't seem to be attracting the same sort of silly prices as the 900ss of the same era, thats if you can find one for sale...all the old bevel drive Ducati's require specialist servicing and had a reputation for fragility in the day. Pantah's (500 and 600) are also nice and being the first of the belt drives are easier to maintain, you can still find them for upwards of £3500. White framed 750ss and 900ss from the early 90's are on the up as well and are ones to watch.
The RG makes more sense as although they have increase loads they still have a bit to go - and you will enjoy the ride more than the Z1 me thinks!
Morning to all, and thanks for all your replies. The reason for buying one is part nostalgia and part financial. I dont mind if it does not make money, just dont want something that loses hat fulls either. I dont want to restore something, and I'd like to spend no more than 25k if possible. Just something that looks nice, can be ridden on a sunny Sunday, can sit there not losing a penny and lastly, something I can tinker with if the mood arises.
Thank you, am going to Bucks today to see a 1973 Z, its a minter and one of the first on an "L" reg. There were a few very early "K" reg ones but they come up so infrequently, not sure i have the patience (Or budget) to wait. The last K plate one I saw was Pegasus bikes and broke 25k. If I go the Z route, 20k would be my limit. RG route, my limit circa 15k, Ducati route ? Not sure yet, still looking at them ?? But hey ho, off to see the Z first. Laters all
Lovely bike and appreciate the post, but don't really want a sports bike as I want to be able to use it the odd time, and sports bikes are not really my thing anymore (I must be getting old :tearsofjoy . The only sports style bike I'd look at is the RG500 as bikes from that era still relatively upright. Just leaving now to see the Zed, will let you know my thoughts, cheers Bradders
Zed nice but overpriced for condition, he had a beautiful Kwak triple 2 stroke that interests me though.... Hmm ??
